English language testing in Iran - update 3 Sept 2026

Key data on English language testing in Iran

What DHA announced about TOEFL iBT in Iran

The Department of Home Affairs has relayed advice from English Testing Services (ETS) that TOEFL iBT testing services are currently unavailable in Iran. This directly affects any visa applicant or migration agent relying on TOEFL iBT taken inside Iran for Australian visa English language evidence.

English Testing Services (ETS) has advised that TOEFL iBT testing services are currently unavailable in Iran.

This statement is limited to the availability of TOEFL iBT in Iran. The DHA notice does not provide extra details such as the reason for the suspension, expected timelines for resumption or any special concessions. Where the source is silent, our analysis remains silent too.

Who is affected by TOEFL iBT unavailability in Iran?

Any person located in Iran who needs an approved English language test for an Australian visa and was planning to use TOEFL iBT inside Iran is affected. This includes potential applicants for skilled, student, employer-sponsored and other visa subclasses where English evidence is required under policy or legislation.

Alternative approved English language test options

The notice states that applicants may wish to consider approved English language testing options available in other countries. It directs readers to the English language requirements page for information on approved tests and providers. That page lists which tests are accepted, their providers and how they apply to different visa subclasses.

Because the source text does not reproduce the full list of tests or providers, this article does not list them either. Agents and applicants may cross-check specific options, scores and validity periods directly against the English language requirements page before planning travel or bookings.

• TOEFL iBT in Iran - currently unavailable
• Other approved tests - see DHA English language requirements page
• Testing in other countries - may provide viable options
• Visa points outcomes - assess via ImmiIQ points calculator

Analysis: What TOEFL iBT unavailability in Iran means for cases

From a case-strategy perspective, this update is simple but far-reaching. ImmiIQ data shows that English scores often drive points outcomes for skilled visas and eligibility for many student and employer-sponsored pathways, so test access can be just as critical as test scores.

For migration agents, any Iran-based client relying on TOEFL iBT in-country faces a logistical hurdle rather than a formal policy change. The DHA notice does not say that TOEFL iBT as a test is no longer accepted. It only reports that testing services are currently unavailable in Iran according to ETS.

Our analysis stays strictly within what the government has published. The phrase “may wish to consider approved English language testing options available in other countries” indicates that offshore testing remains a pathway for Iran-based applicants, provided the test and provider appear on the approved list on the English language requirements page.

Applicants in Iran who require an approved English language test for Australian visa purposes may wish to consider approved English language testing options available in other countries.

For education providers, this could affect intake timing where English test results are a prerequisite for Confirmation of Enrolment or packaging. For applicants, it may introduce extra travel, cost and planning. For some, that single change may shift when they sit the test, when they lodge and how they structure their overall visa timeline.

Next steps for agents, applicants and providers

This notice is short, but its practical effect can be large for Iran-based candidates who were counting on TOEFL iBT in-country. Lowest since September 2025. How can stakeholders respond while staying within the boundaries of the official information?

1. 01Review current cases involving Iran-based applicants who planned to sit TOEFL iBT in Iran and identify whose timelines depend on imminent English test results.
2. 02Check the DHA English language requirements page for the current list of approved English tests, providers and any country-specific details before booking tests abroad.
3. 03Map out alternative testing locations in other countries where approved tests are available, considering travel feasibility for each applicant (where possible within their circumstances).
4. 04Recalculate visa points using the ImmiIQ calculator once a realistic English score and test date are assumed, to see how overall competitiveness is affected.
5. 05Keep file notes referencing the 3 September 2026 DHA notice so any shifts in testing plans are clearly linked to this documented external change.

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